Christian Sharps invented the knife-edge breech block and self-cocking device for the “box-lock” Sharps Model 1851. In that year, Sharps manufactured and sold 20,000 units, using mass production techniques. The Model 1853 “Slanting Breech” Carbines became equipped with the Sharps-patented pellet primer system.

Thank you for the correction - it was the 1856 S&W Model 1 that used a bored through cylinder based upon the Rollin White patent that he came upon while working for the Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company.